Single-Source Head-Up Display for Double-Layer Virtual Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-up display systems for vehicles require multiple components and complex structures to achieve double-layer display functionality, including two independent image sources and a combiner, which increases cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A display device comprising a light source, spatial light modulator, reflective display, and relay optical device that modulates and projects light beams in different directions to generate two images at different distances on a reflective screen, such as a windshield glass, allowing for double-layer display without the need for two independent image sources and a combiner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two independent image sources and a combiner are used to achieve double-layer display functionality, then the display functionality is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two independent image sources into a single light source that sequentially generates two different images. The spatial light modulator combines the functions of modulating light for both images, eliminating the need for separate image sources and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining double-layer display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light source is designed to perform multiple functions: generating the first image for the first virtual display and generating the second image for the second virtual display by sequential operation. The spatial light modulator similarly performs multiple modulation functions for different images, reducing the number of components needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two independent image sources and a combiner are used to achieve double-layer display functionality, then the display functionality is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two independent image sources into a single light source that sequentially generates two different images. The spatial light modulator combines the functions of modulating light for both images, eliminating the need for separate image sources and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining double-layer display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a single light source to create sequential copies of different images rather than requiring simultaneous generation from separate sources. This temporal copying approach reduces hardware requirements and manufacturing costs while achieving the same functional result.
3Device complexity
If a single light source and optical path are used to generate two images at different distances, then the structure is simplified and cost is reduced, but the difficulty of controlling different projection distances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the spatial light modulator to adjust the optical path and focus for different images. By dynamically changing the modulation parameters and optical configuration, the system can sequentially project images at different distances using the same optical path, managing control complexity through programmable dynamic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic sequential operation to generate the first image and second image at different distances. The light source and spatial light modulator operate in periodic cycles, alternating between different image generation modes, which simplifies the control logic compared to simultaneous multi-distance projection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the structure and reduces costs by generating two independent images with different depths of field using a single light source and optical path, enhancing the double-layer display functionality while maintaining clarity and safety for drivers.
Implementation Method 1
the light modulator being configured to modulate the light beams alternately in timing sequence at two deflection angles different from each other respectively
Implementation Method 2
the relay optical device is located downstream the reflective display in the optical path of the display device and configured to project the first light beam carried with the first image and the second light beam carried with the second image onto two positions on the reflective screen different from each other respectively in such way that virtual images of the first image and the second image are generated respectively at different distances from the reflective screen
Implementation Method 3
the reflective display being configured to generate a first image in response to the first light beam being incident on the reflective display in the first direction and to generate a second image in response to the second light beam being incident on the reflective display in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A display device is provided, including: a reflective screen; and a display assembly comprising: a light source; a light modulator provided in a direction of propagation of the light beams and a reflective display located downstream the light modulator in an optical path of the display device, the light modulator is configured to modulate the light beams alternately at two different deflection angles, and the reflective display is configured to generate a first image in response to the light beam in a first direction and a second image in response to the light beam in a second direction; and a relay optical device located downstream the reflective display in the optical path of the display device and configured to project the light beam carried with the first image and the beam carried with the second image onto two different positions on the reflective screen.